Lincoln County will be a busy place Dec. 7 as two other communities beyond Troy are hosting holiday festivals. The City of Winfield will be hosting its popular eighth annual Light up Winfield event. Scheduled for 3-7 p.m. at the Main Street Market off Highway 79. Santa is scheduled to arrive on scene at 4 p.m. and choirs from the Winfield schools are slated to sing carols before the tree is officially lit at 5:30 p.m. Thanks to the generosity of several local sponsors, there is an abundance of free food and treats available, including

hot dogs, cliili, jambalaya, s mores, hot chocolate and cider. Santa will also be giving out gift bags to children who pay him a visit. ‘‘This a great event thanks in large part to our sponsors,” event organizer Nicole Hanson said. ‘They are the reason why this is free for anyone w ho w^ants to attend.’ Hanson added there will be a few’ craft and food vendors on site selling goods as well for those wanting to do some holiday shopping. The first Light up Winfield event took place in 2016 and has been an annual event since, with the

exception of a COVID induced pause in 2020. Meanwhile a little farther northeast, Elsberry is hosting its annual Christmas festival starting with the annual United Methodist Church Christmas bazaar at 11:30 a.m.. Running until 4:30 p.m., the bazaar will include a nativity scene display, baked goods sale and soup and sandwiches. Later that afternoon, the City will host Christmas in the Park with vendors present from 2-5 p.m. The event will include a night-time parade, bounce houses and of course, a visit from Santa Claus.